Contact: Caitlin Wendt, caitlin.wendt@bannerhealth.com

SUN CITY WEST, Ariz. (Oct. 13, 2017) – Banner Health has expanded its pre-concussion baseline testing from downtown Phoenix to the West Valley at Banner Del E. Webb Outpatient Rehabilitation Services. The two-part testing, including a balance test and standard vision test, is especially beneficial to student athletes and the elderly community to create a starting point of their balance and brain function in case they suffer a concussion in the future.

A concussion is a very serious brain injury and should not be taken lightly. The two tests evaluate the most common areas affected by a concussion and tells clinicians how the patient’s brain functions when healthy. The same tests are given after a suspected concussion to determine if the brain experienced an injury.

Patients first perform the Bertec Force Plate Balance Testing Neurovestibular Protocol, which requires the patient to balance on a small platform while completing different physical challenges. The device records the person’s sway to obtain normative baseline data.

Next, the patient’s visual acuity is measured using a basic eye chart and the Bertec Vision Advantage, when appropriate. These tests measure the smallest sized object an individual can see accurately while the head is moving at a higher velocity. If stable vision is disrupted with head movements, balance control can be compromised. 

“The issue of concussions is continuing to be a hot topic in the sports world,” said Eric Percy-Fine, physical therapy clinical manager at Banner Del E. Webb Outpatient Rehabilitation Services. “Implementing a baseline concussion program will help ensure that those who suffer a fall or head injury are able to return to the game or everyday life safely following a concussion and decrease the risk of a second, more dangerous injury.”

No two concussions are alike and recovery time can vary on an individual basis. The brain needs time to heal and if not allowed enough time and a second concussion occurs, it can be life threatening.

Banner Del E. Webb Outpatient Rehabilitation Services is located at 14418 W. Meeker Blvd, Building B, Suite 301, in Sun City West and can be reached at 623-524-4038 to schedule an appointment.

About Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center

Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center is a community hospital in Sun City West, Arizona. The hospital specializes in orthopedic surgery, heart care, emergency care, cancer care, and obstetrics. Banner Del E. Webb is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit health care system with 28 hospitals in six states. Supporting Banner Del E. Webb’s mission of excellent patient care is Sun Health Foundation, which encourages charitable giving to enhance health care delivery. For more information, visit www.BannerHealth.com/Webb.